System and method for sealing a plastic enclosure

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for sealing a plastic enclosure is provided. The apparatus includes a handle including elements pivotally coupled together at a first end. The apparatus also includes a heating element positioned along an inner surface of an element and connected to a power source where a longitudinal axis of the heating element is oriented parallel with a longitudinal axis of the element. Plastic material including first and second plastic layers is positioned at an interface between the second elements. Upon pivoting the first elements from an open position to a closed position the heating element increases a temperature at the interface to melt the plastic material and form a seal between the first and second plastic layers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional application62/513,614, filed Jun. 1, 2017, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein.

BACKGROUND

Conventional packages are available for temporary storage of condiments,snacks, or personal products. For example, plastic containers (e.g.Tupperware®) are available in which such products can be temporarilystored. Additionally, conventional bags (e.g. Ziploc®) are available inwhich such products can be temporarily stored.

SUMMARY

Techniques are provided for sealing a plastic enclosure that can be usedto transport a range of products including condiments, snacks orpersonal products. The inventor noted that the conventional containersused to transport such products are deficient. For example, the inventorrecognized that conventional plastic containers (e.g. Tupperware®) havenotable drawbacks, including that they are cumbersome to carry around,require repeated washing and take up large amounts of cabinet space.Additionally, in another example, the inventor recognized thatconventional bags (e.g. Ziploc®) have notable drawbacks, including thatthey are not effective at safely transporting liquid products and comein fixed sizes and thus are not properly sized to fit certain products(e.g. spices).

In a first embodiment, an apparatus is provided for sealing an enclosureof plastic material. The apparatus includes a handle including a pair ofelements pivotally coupled together at a first end of the elements. Theapparatus further includes a heating element positioned along an innersurface of at least one element and connected to a power source, where alongitudinal axis of the heating element is oriented parallel to alongitudinal axis of the element. Upon positioning plastic materialincluding a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer at aninterface between the pair of second elements and upon pivoting the pairof first elements from an open position to a closed position, theheating element increases a temperature at the interface to melt theplastic material and form a seal between the first plastic layer and thesecond plastic layer.

In a second embodiment, an apparatus is provided for sealing anenclosure of plastic material. The apparatus includes a pair of elementspivotally coupled together at a first end of the elements. The apparatusfurther includes a heating element positioned along an inner surface ofone element and connected to a power source. The apparatus furtherincludes a cutting element positioned at an inner surface of one elementand is configured to move relative to the inner surface of the elementto cut the plastic material along the interface adjacent the seal. Uponpositioning plastic material including a first plastic layer and asecond plastic layer at the interface between the elements and uponpivoting of the elements from an open position to a closed position, theheating element increases a temperature at the interface to melt theplastic material and form a seal between the first plastic layer and thesecond plastic layer.

In a third embodiment, a method is provided for sealing an enclosure ofplastic material. The method includes positioning the plastic materialincluding a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer at aninterface between the pair of elements. The method further includespivoting the pair of elements from an open position to a closed positionsuch that the heating element increases a temperature at the interfaceto melt the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer. The methodfurther includes forming a first seal between the first plastic layerand the second plastic layer based on the melting of the first plasticlayer and the second plastic layer. The method further includes fillingthe enclosure of the plastic material with contents through an openingin the plastic material and positioning the plastic material includingthe first plastic layer and the second plastic layer at the interface.The method further includes pivoting the pair of elements from the openposition to the closed position such that the heating element increasesthe temperature at the interface to melt the first plastic layer and thesecond plastic layer. The method further includes forming a second sealbetween the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer based onthe melting of the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer,where the enclosure of plastic material is formed between the first sealand the second seal.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages are readily apparent fromthe following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number ofparticular embodiments and implementations, including the best modecontemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments are alsocapable of other and different features and advantages, and its severaldetails can be modified in various obvious respects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way oflimitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofa system for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an openposition, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is an image that illustrates an example of a cross sectionalview taken along the line 1B-1B in FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1C is an image that illustrates an example of a sectional view of afirst element of the system of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1D is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective endview of a first element of the system of FIG. 1A, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 1E is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of asecond element of the system of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1F is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofa system for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an openposition, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1G is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of thesecond elements of the system of FIG. 1F, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1H is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofpairs of second elements of different dimension, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2A is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofa bracket mounted to a flat surface, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of thesystem of FIG. 1A mounted to the bracket of FIG. 2A, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2C is an image that illustrates an example of an exploded view ofthe system of FIG. 1A and the bracket of FIG. 2A, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2D is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofthe system of FIG. 1A and the bracket of FIG. 2A mounted to a flatsurface, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2E is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofthe system of FIG. 1A mounted to the bracket of FIG. 2A in the openposition, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2F is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of aplurality of reels of plastic material used in the system of FIG. 2E,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2G is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of strawmaterial and a plurality of capsules formed in the straw material withthe system of FIG. 2E, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2H is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofa plurality of reels of plastic material used in the system of FIG. 2E,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspectiveview of a seal formed in the plastic material by the system of FIG. 5A,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspectiveview of the seal of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspectiveview of a second seal formed in the plastic material by the system ofFIG. 5A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3D is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofusing the system to form the second seal of FIG. 3C in the plasticmaterial, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3E is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofusing the system to form the second seal of FIG. 3C, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 3F is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of theenclosure of the plastic material including the first seal and thesecond seal, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3G is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a top view ofthe enclosure of the plastic material including interior seals betweenthe first seal and the second seal, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates an example of a method forsealing an enclosure of plastic material, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5A is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofa system for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in a closedposition, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5B is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofthe system of FIG. 5A in an open position, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5C is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofthe system of FIG. 5B with the cutting element slid from a first end toa second end of a slot in one of the elements, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 5D is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of thesystem of FIG. 5A on a level surface, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5E is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of thesystem of FIG. 5A in an open position, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5F is an image that illustrates an example of a top perspectiveview of the system of FIG. 5A in an open position, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 5G is an image that illustrates an example of a top perspectiveview of the system of FIG. 5A in a closed position, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 5H is a block diagram that illustrates an example of electricalconnections between the heating elements and the power source within thesystem of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6A is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of asystem for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an open position,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6B is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of thesystem of FIG. 6A in a closed position, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6C is an image that illustrates an example of a plan view of aninner surface of the elements of the system of FIG. 6A, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 6D is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of thesystem of FIG. 6A, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are images that illustrate an example of a perspectiveview of using the system of FIG. 5A to form a seal in the plasticmaterial, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 7C and 7D are images that illustrate an example of a side view ofusing the system of FIG. 5A to form a seal in the plastic material,according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 7E and 7F are images that illustrate an example of a perspectiveview of using the system of FIG. 5A to form a second seal in the plasticmaterial, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7G is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofusing the system of FIG. 5A to form interior seals in the plasticmaterial, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8A is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofa system for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an openposition, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8B is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of thesystem of FIG. 8A in a closed position, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8C is an image that illustrates an example of a cross sectionalview taken along the line 8C-8C in FIG. 8B, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8D is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of thesystem of FIG. 8A in an open position, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8E is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofthe system of FIG. 8A in an open position, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8F is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of thesystem of FIG. 8A in a closed position, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8G is an image that illustrates an example of a partial sectionalview of the system of FIG. 8F in a closed position, according to anembodiment; and

FIG. 8H is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of thesystem of FIG. 8F, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus are described for sealing an enclosure of plasticmaterial. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope are approximations, the numerical values set forth inspecific non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errorsnecessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements at the time of this writing.Furthermore, unless otherwise clear from the context, a numerical valuepresented herein has an implied precision given by the least significantdigit. Thus, a value 1.1 implies a value from 1.05 to 1.15. The term“about” is used to indicate a broader range centered on the given value,and unless otherwise clear from the context implies a broader rangearound the least significant digit, such as “about 1.1” implies a rangefrom 1.0 to 1.2. If the least significant digit is unclear, then theterm “about” implies a factor of two, e.g., “about X” implies a value inthe range from 0.5× to 2×, for example, about 100 implies a value in arange from 50 to 200. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to beunderstood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. Forexample, a range of “less than 10” can include any and all sub-rangesbetween (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum valueof 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimum value of equalto or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10,e.g., 1 to 4. Additionally, the term “orthogonal” is used to indicate anangle between two directions in a range of 90 degrees±10 degrees or in arange of 90 degrees±20 degrees. Additionally, the term “parallel” isused to indicate an angle between two directions in a range of 0degrees±10 degrees or in a range of 0 degrees±20 degrees.

Some embodiments of the invention are described below in the context ofsealing an enclosure of plastic material. For purposes of thisdescription, “enclosure” means an enclosed volume (e.g. rectangularvolume) defined by plastic material. In other embodiments, “enclosure”means an enclosed volume defined by a non-plastic material, such asplastic and mylar materials. In some embodiments, the enclosure isdefined by one or more seals in the plastic material, where the sealsare formed between layers of the plastic material and define one or moreboundaries of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure is aplastic bag defined by one or more seals in plastic material thatincludes a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer. In otherembodiments, the enclosure is defined as a sub-enclosure or sub-volumewithin a larger enclosure, e.g. an interior volume or sub-enclosurewithin a plastic bag formed between two interior seals or between aninterior seal and a seal at one end or side of the bag. In otherembodiments, the enclosure is a capsule defined by one or more seals inplastic material that is a straw, e.g. plastic straw. However, theinvention is not limited to this context. For purposes of thisdescription, “plastic material” means material made of plastic thatincludes multiple layers. In some embodiments, the plastic materialincludes a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer that aresealed along opposite sides. In other embodiments, the plastic materialis a plastic straw. For purposes of this description, “portable” means adevice that can be carried by a person, such as in a standard handbagand/or a device that can be operated while being carried by a person. Insome embodiments, “portable” means that the device can be used toperform each step of a method to seal a plastic enclosure while beingcarried by a person. In some embodiments, “portable” means that thedevice has a largest dimension (e.g. length, width, height) no greaterthan from about 6 inches to about 12 inches. In other embodiments,“portable” means that the device has a largest dimension (e.g. length,width, height) no greater than from about 4 inches to about 14 inches.In other embodiments, “portable” means that the device has a weight nogreater than about 8 ounces to about 12 ounces. In still otherembodiments, “portable” means that the device has a weight no greaterthan about 4 ounces to about 14 ounces.

FIG. 1A is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofa system 100 for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an openposition 101, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, thesystem 100 is portable. In one embodiment, the system 100 is portablesuch that it can be carried in a handbag (e.g. woman's handbag). Thesystem 100 includes a handle 113 with a pair of first elements 102 a,102 b that are pivotally coupled at one end of the elements 102 a, 102b. In one embodiment, the first elements 102 a, 102 b are pivotallycoupled together at a hinge 103. In one embodiment, the first elements102 a, 102 b are made of a plastic material. In another embodiment, thefirst elements 102 a, 102 b are made of a heat resistant or insulatingsubstrate material (e.g. ceramic, silicone, silicone rubber, etc).

The system 100 also includes a pair of second elements 104 a, 104 b thatare removably coupled to a second end of the first elements 102 a, 102 bso that the second elements 104 a, 104 b are coextensive with the firstelements 102 a, 102 b as depicted in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, thesecond elements 104 a, 104 b are made from the same material as thefirst elements 102 a, 102 b. In one embodiment, the first elements 102a, 102 b and second elements 104 a, 104 b are integrally connected asone pair of elements pivotally coupled at the hinge 103. FIG. 1H is animage that illustrates an example of a perspective view of pairs ofsecond elements 104 of different dimension, according to an embodiment.In some embodiments, the pair of second elements 104 a, 104 b have alarger dimension that is used to seal plastic material 136 having alarger dimension (e.g. 6″ wide bag), the pair of second elements 104 a′,104 b′ have a medium dimension that is used to seal plastic material 136having a medium dimension (e.g. 3″ wide bag) and the pair of secondelements 104 a″, 104 b″ have a small dimension that is used to sealplastic material 136 having a small dimension (e.g. straw).

In some embodiments, a heating element 106 is positioned along an innersurface of one of the second elements 104 a, 104 b. In this embodiment,a sponge material 107 (FIG. 2E) is positioned along an inner surface ofthe other second element 104 a. In an example embodiment, the spongematerial 107 is a sponge-like material (e.g. silicone) that is heatresistant. In other embodiments, the heating element 106 is positionedalong the inner surface of both second elements 104 a, 104 b. In someembodiments, the heating element 106 has a flat planar surface. In otherembodiments, the heating element has a crimping surface including one ormore ridges. In an embodiment, the ridges of the crimping surface form aplurality of sealing interfaces in the plastic material 136 over theseal. FIG. 1F is an image that illustrates an example of a heatingelement 106′ including a crimping surface with a plurality of ridges. Insome embodiments, the crimping surface is made from a ceramic coatedmaterial. FIG. 1G is an image that illustrates an example of a side viewof the second elements 104 of the system of FIG. 1F, according to anembodiment. The sponge material 107 and cutting element 111 are alsodepicted in FIG. 1G.

The heating element 106 is connected to a power source. In someembodiments, the pair of first elements 102 a, 102 b include a firstconnector 112 that is electrically connected to a power source and thepair of second elements 104 a, 104 b include a second connector 114electrically connected to the heating element 106. In an exampleembodiment, the first connector 112 is a male connector and the secondconnector 114 is a female connector. In other embodiments, the firstconnector 112 is a female connector and the second connector 114 is amale connector. In still other embodiments, connectors 112, 114 otherthan male/female connectors can be used to electrically connect theelements 102 a, 102 b with the elements 104 a, 104 b. Upon connection ofthe first connector 112 with the second connector 114, the heatingelement 116 is electrically connected with the power source.

In some embodiments, the power source is an internal power source housedwithin the system 100. In one embodiment, the internal power source ishoused within one of the first elements 102 a, 102 b. FIG. 1C is animage that illustrates an example of a sectional view of the firstelement 102 b of the system 100 of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment.In one embodiment, the first element 102 b includes a compartment 116 tohouse a power source (e.g. one or more batteries 118). In an exampleembodiment, two AA rated batteries 118 are housed in the compartment116. In other embodiments, the power source is an external power sourceand one of the first elements 102 a, 102 b is connected to the externalpower source. FIG. 1D is an image that illustrates an example of aperspective end view of the first element 102 a of the system 100 ofFIG. 1A, according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the firstelement 102 a includes an electrical inlet (e.g. USB port 122) forconnection to an external power source. In other embodiments, the USBport 122 is used to charge the internal power source (e.g. batteries118) while the internal power source (or external power source) providesserves as the power source for the heating element 106.

The system 100 also includes a cutting element 111 positioned along aninner surface of the second element 104 a. FIG. 1E is an image thatillustrates an example of a top view of the second element 104 a of thesystem of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, thesecond element 104 a includes a slot 112 to slidably receive the cuttingelement. In these embodiments, an outer surface of the second element104 a includes a button 108 (with an optional button recess 109)slidably received in a recess 110, where the button 108 is connected tothe cutting element 111 through the slot 112. In other embodiments, therecess 110 is not provided and the button 108 is configured to slidealong the outer surface of the second element 104 a. The cutting element111 slides along the inner surface of the second element 104 a when auser slides the button 108 along the recess 110.

During operation of the system 100, the first elements 102 a, 102 b areinitially positioned in an open position 101 (FIG. 1A) with an anglebetween the first elements 102 a, 102 b. In some embodiments, the openposition 101 is the default position of the first elements 102 a, 102 bsuch that the first elements 102 a, 102 b are in the open position 101when no external force is applied. FIG. 2B is an image that illustratesan example of a side view of the system 100 of FIG. 1A in the openposition 101. In some embodiments, the first element 102 a and secondelement 104 a are coextensive such that they share a common longitudinalaxis 135 a and the first element 102 b and second element 104 b arecoextensive such that they share a common longitudinal axis 135 b.Additionally, in other embodiments, a rotational axis 134 (orthogonal tothe plane of FIG. 2B) of the first elements 102 a, 102 b is aboutperpendicular to the longitudinal axes 135 a, 135 b.

Plastic material including a first plastic layer and second plasticlayer is initially positioned at an interface between the secondelements 104 a, 104 b. In some embodiments, the plastic material ispositioned between the heat element 106 and the sponge material 107. Thepair of first elements 102 a, 102 b are then pivoted about the hinge 103to move the system 100 from the open position 101 (FIG. 1A) to a closedposition 103 (FIG. 1B). To facilitate moving the system from the openposition 101 to the closed position 103, in some embodiments the heatingelement 106 includes a slot 140 (FIG. 2E) to slidably receive thecutting element on the inner surface of the second element 104 a. Insome embodiments, in the closed position 103 the heating element 106moves within a threshold distance of the sponge material 107. AlthoughFIG. 2E depicts the slot 140 provided along the heating element 106, inother embodiments the slot 140 is spaced apart from the heating element106 along the inner surface of the element 104 a.

In some embodiments, the system 100 is held in a hand of the user (e.g.hands-on operation). In other embodiments, the system 100 is usedwithout being held by the user (e.g. hands-free operation). In theseembodiments, the system 100 is mounted to a bracket 128 and the bracket128 is mounted to a flat surface (e.g. counter). FIG. 2A is an imagethat illustrates an example of a perspective view of a bracket 128mounted to a level surface (e.g. counter 132), according to anembodiment. The bracket 128 is mounted to the counter 132. In oneembodiment, the bracket 128 is mounted to the counter 132 with a pair ofsuction cups 130 a, 130 b. Each suction cup 130 includes a base portionthat is secured to the counter 132 and a nipple portion that is receivedwith a respective opening in the bracket 128 (FIGS. 2C-2D). The bracket128 includes a pair of mating keys 126 a, 126 b (FIG. 2A) and the firstelement 102 b includes a pair of key holes that are sized to slidablyreceive the mating keys 126 a, 126 b into a locked position to securelymount the first elements 102 a, 102 b to the bracket 128. FIG. 2Bdepicts the first elements 102 a, 102 b and second elements 104 a, 104 bsecurely mounted to the bracket 128 and the bracket 128 securely mountedto the counter 132.

FIGS. 5A-5G are images that illustrate an example of different views ofa system 100′ for sealing an enclosure of plastic material, according toan embodiment. The system 100′ is similar to the system 100 previouslydiscussed, with the exception of the features discussed herein. Unlikethe system 100 with a pair of first elements 102 and a pair of secondelements 104 connected to the pair of first elements 102 usingconnectors 112, 114, the system 100′ includes one pair of elements 105a, 105 b. In an embodiment, the element 105 a integrates the element 102a and 104 a and the element 105 b integrates the element 102 b and 104b. Additionally, unlike the system 100 where the slot 112 and button 108are arranged near a center of a width of the second element 104 a (FIG.1E), in one embodiment the system 100′ features a slot 112′ and button108 that are offset by a spacing 188 (FIG. 6D) from a center 189 of awidth of the element 105 a. Thus, the cutting element 111 (positioned inthe slot 112′) is offset by the spacing 188 from the center 189 of thewidth of the element 105 a. In an embodiment, the spacing 188 is about⅛″ or in a range from about 1/16″ to about ¼″ or in a range from about1/32″ to about ½″ or in a range from about 1/64″ to about 1″. In otherembodiments, the slot 112′ and button 108 are centered along the center189 of the width of the element 105 a.

In an embodiment, the system 100′ includes a U-shaped member 170 that isrotatably fixed to the element 105 b about a pivot axis 171. In oneembodiment, the U-shaped member 170 is fixed to the element 105 badjacent a second end 177 b of the element 105 b and can rotate from afirst position (FIG. 8F) to clasp the elements 105 a, 105 b togetherwhen they are in the closed position 103 to a second position (FIG. 5D)to support a second end 177 b of the elements 105 on a level surface 180(e.g. table) when the system 100′ is placed on the level surface 180.

In another embodiment, the system 100′ includes a base 172 adjacent to afirst end 177 a of the elements 105 that is opposite from the second end177 b. In an embodiment, the base 172 has an outer diameter 178 (FIG.5D) that is greater than an outer diameter of the elements 105 betweenthe first and second ends 177 a, 177 b. Additionally, in an embodiment,the base 172 includes a pair of flat surfaces 173 a, 173 b that arespaced apart by a width dimension (e.g. outer diameter 178) and a pairof arcuate surfaces 175 a, 175 b that are spaced apart by a lengthdimension that is greater than the width dimension. In an exampleembodiment, the width dimension is about 2″ or in a range from about 1″to about 3″ and the length dimension is about 2.5″ or in a range fromabout 1.5″ to about 2.5″. In some embodiments, the length dimension isabout the same as the width dimension. In an example embodiment, aheight of the U-shaped member 170 is sized based on a difference betweenthe outer diameter 178 of the base 172 and the outer diameter of themember 105 b at the pivot axis 171. In another embodiment, one or moredimensions (e.g. outer diameter 178) of the base 172 are sized so thatthe system 100′ can be vertically mounted on the level surface 180 andthe system 100′ is relatively stable in the vertical orientation. Insome embodiments, a length of the system 100′ (e.g. length between theends 177 a, 177 b) is about 11.5″ or in a range from about 9.5″ to about13.5″. In other embodiments, a length of the heating elements 106 a, 106b is about 6.5″ or in a range from about 4.5″ to about 8.5″. In stillother embodiments, a length of the slots 112′, 140′ are about 6.5″ or ina range from about 4.5″ to about 8.5″.

In an embodiment, the system 100′ features one or more heat settings 174to adjust a temperature of the heating elements 106 a, 106 b and/or oneor more electrical inlets 176 (e.g. USB port). The heat settings 174and/or the electrical inlets 176 are advantageously positioned along aside of the system 100′ so to be accessible when the system 100′ ismounted on the base 172 in a vertical orientation on the level surface180.

As depicted in FIG. 5D, one or more dimensions of the base 172 (e.g.outer diameter 178) and one or more dimensions of the U-shaped member170 (e.g. height) are sized so that the pair of elements 105 aresupported on the level surface 180 in the closed position 101 such thatthe pair of elements 105 are about parallel to the level surface 180.

As depicted in FIG. 5C, in one embodiment a plurality of heatingelements 106 a, 106 b are provided along the inner surface of therespective elements 105 a, 105 b. In one embodiment, the heatingelements 106 a, 106 b include longitudinal axes that are orientedparallel to the longitudinal axes 135 a, 135 b of the respectiveelements 105 a, 105 b (FIG. 5E). In an embodiment, “longitudinal axis”of the heating elements 106 a, 106 b is defined as an axis aligned witha length dimension (e.g. length 143 in FIG. 2E for heating element 106)and orthogonal to a width dimension that is smaller than the lengthdimension of the heating elements 106 a, 106 b. In some embodiments,only one heating element 106 is provided along the inner surface of onlyone of the elements 105. In other embodiments, multiple heating elementsare provided along the inner surface of each element 105.

In one embodiment, the heating elements 106 a, 106 b have a width thatis about the same as a width of the elements 105 a, 105 b. However, inother embodiments, the heating elements 106 a, 106 b have a width thatis less than a width of the elements 105 a, 105 b. FIG. 6C is an imagethat illustrates an example of a plan view of an inner surface of theelements 105 a, 105 b of the system 100′, according to an embodiment. Inone embodiment, the slot 112′ that slidably receives the cutting element111 and button 108 in the element 105 a is spaced apart from the heatingelement 106 a by a minimum spacing 186 along the inner surface of theelement 105 a. Similarly, the slot 140′ that slidably receives thecutting element 111 as it moves along the interface 110 is spaced apartfrom the heating element 106 b by the minimum spacing 186 along theinner surface of the element 105 b. In an example embodiment, theminimum spacing 186 is about ⅛″ or in a range from about 1/16″ to about¼″ or in a range from about 1/16″ to about ½″ or in a range from about1/32″ to about 1″. Spatial separation of the slots 112′, 140′ and theheating elements 106 a, 106 b is adjusted to advantageously ensure thatheat from the elements 106 a, 106 b does not melt the plastic materialalong a cut formed by the cutting element 111. Thus, the minimum spacing186 ensures that a cut formed in the plastic material by the cuttingelement 111 is not resealed by heat from the heating element 106 a, 106b. In order embodiments, a layer of heat insulation material or asilicone layer 185 (FIG. 8C) is positioned within the minimum spacing186 to provide thermal insulation between the heating elements 106 a,106 b and the cutting element 111, to further ensure that the heat fromthe elements 106 a, 106 b does not melt the cut formed in the plasticmaterial by the cutting element 111. In some embodiments, a length ofthe slot 112′ and/or slot 140′ is equal to or greater than a length ofthe heating element 106 a and/or heating element 106 b. Thisadvantageously ensures that a range of movement of the cutting element111 (e.g. length of slots 112′, 140′) encompasses a maximum width of aseal formed at the interface (e.g. length of heating elements 106 a, 106b).

In an embodiment, the cutting element 111 of the system 100′ operates ina similar manner as the cutting element 111 of the system 100 (e.g. isslid across the interface 110 using the button 108 on an outer surfaceof the element 105 a, to cut the plastic material across the interface110). However, the embodiments of the present invention include anycutting element that moves relative to the inner surface of the element105 a or 105 b in order to cut the plastic material along the interface110. In another embodiment, the element 105 a or element 105 b includesa spring loaded mechanism to move the cutting mechanism 111 in adirection orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 135 a or 135 b to cut theplastic material upon actuation of a button operatively coupled to thespring loaded mechanism.

In some embodiments, the heating elements 106 a 106 b are securely fixedalong the inner surface of the elements 105 a, 105 b. In otherembodiments, one or both of the heating elements 106 a, 106 b aremovably fixed to the inner surface of the elements 105 a, 105 b. FIG. 6Ais an image that illustrates an example of a side view of a system 100″for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an open position 101,according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the system 100″ of FIG.6A is similar to the system 100′ with the exception of the featuresdiscussed herein. In an embodiment, unlike the system 100′ the heatingelement 106 a′ is movably fixed to the inner surface of the element 105a. In one embodiment, the heating element 106 a′ is movably mounted tothe element 105 a such that a recess 182 is provided between the heatingelement 106 a′ and the inner surface of the element 105 a. Additionally,one or more springs 184 a, 184 b are provided that extend into therecess 182 and are operatively coupled to the heating element 106 a′. Acutting element 111 is provided such that a tip of the cutting element111 is aligned with an inner surface of the heating element 106 a′ whenthe system 100″ is in the open position 101. Upon moving the system 100″from the open position 101 to the closed position 103 (FIG. 6B), theheating element 106 a′ engages the heating element 106 b at theinterface 110 which causes the heating element 106 a′ to move in adirection orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 135 a and into the recess182. The heating element 106 a′ retracts relative to the cutting element111 so that the cutting element 111 extends beyond the inner surface ofthe heating element 106 a′ in the direction orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis 135 a. Since the tip of the cutting element 111extends beyond an interface 110 of the heating elements 106 a, 106 b,the cutting element 111 will cut the plastic material at the interface110 when the cutting element 111 is slid across the interface 110. Thisarrangement advantageously ensures that the cutting element 111 is notexposed when the system 100″ is in the open position 101 since the tipof the cutting element 111 does not extend beyond the inner surface ofthe heating element 106 a′.

FIG. 8A is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view ofthe system 100″ for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in the openposition 101, according to an embodiment. FIG. 8B is an image thatillustrates an example of a side view of the system 100″ of FIG. 8A inthe closed position 103, according to an embodiment. FIG. 8C is an imagethat illustrates an example of a cross sectional view taken along theline 8C-8C in FIG. 8B, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, thesystem 100″ of FIG. 8A is similar to the system 100″ of FIG. 6A, withthe exception of one or more features discussed herein.

In an embodiment, a silicone layer 185 (e.g. silicone rubber layer) isprovided between the heating elements 106 a, 106 b and the cuttingelement 111 and within the spacing 186 between the heating elements 106a, 106 b and the cutting element 111. In one embodiment, the siliconelayer 185 is oriented orthogonal to the heating elements 106 a, 106 bsuch that a longer dimension of the silicone layer 185 is orientedorthogonal to a longer dimension of the heating elements 106 a, 106 b.The silicone layer 185 (e.g. rubber silicone) advantageously providesthermal insulation to the cut formed in the plastic material 136 by thecutting element 111 to prevent heat from the heating elements 106 a, 106b from resealing the plastic material 136 along the cut. In oneembodiment, the silicone layer 185 includes an extension that is fixablyreceived in a groove along the inner surface of the element 105 b′. Thesilicone layer 185 is affixed within the groove of the inner surface ofthe element 105 b′ using any means appreciated by one of skill in theart (e.g. adhesive). In an embodiment, a width of the heating elements106 along the interface 110 is about 4″ or in a range from about ⅛″ toabout ½″ or in a range from about 1/16″ to about ¾″. In an embodiment, awidth of the silicone layer 185 along the interface 110 is about 0.04″(1 mm) or in a range from about 0.02″ (0.5 mm) to about 0.08″ (2 mm) orin a range from about 0″ to about 0.2″. In still other embodiments, awidth of the silicone layer 185 is based on a fraction of the width ofthe heating element 106, where the fraction is less than 1. In anembodiment, the height of the silicone layer 185 is sized to adjust aspacing of the inner surfaces of the elements 105 a′, 105 b′ in theclosed position 103. In an embodiment, the silicone layer 185 has aminimum spacing 187 from the heating element 106 b in the element 105 b.In an example embodiment, the minimum spacing 187 is about 1 mm or in arange from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. In other embodiments, thesilicone layer 185 and/or the springs 184 are absent from the system100″.

In an embodiment, a pair of springs 184 a, 184 c are aligned withopposing sides of the heating element 106 a′ adjacent the first end 177a and are operatively coupled to the heating element 106 a′ toaccommodate the heating element 106 a′ moving into the recess 182 in thedirection orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 135 a upon engagementbetween the heating element 106 a′ and heating element 106 b in theclosed position 103. Additionally, a pair of springs 184 b are alignedwith opposing sides of the heating element 106 a′ adjacent the secondend 177 b or at increment spacings between the first end 177 a andsecond end 177 b. In an embodiment, the button 108 is operativelyconnected to the cutting element 111 through a member 115 that isslidably received within the slot 112′. In one embodiment, the member115 is oriented orthogonal to the cutting element 111.

In an embodiment, the system 100″ includes a spring 183 that is used tospring load the element 105 a′ at a hinge 103′ (FIG. 8G). In oneembodiment, when the system 100″ is in the closed position 103 and theU-shaped member 170 is rotated from the first position (FIG. 8G) to thesecond position (FIG. 5D), the spring 183 presses upward on the element105 a′ and causes the element 105 a′ to rotate about the hinge 103′until the system 100″ reaches the open position 101. This advantageouslycauses the system 100″ to automatically open to the open position 101without any effort by the user. In other embodiments, the spring 183 isomitted and the user manually rotates the element 105 a′ from the closedposition 103 to the open position 101.

As previously discussed, the system 100′ includes one or more heatsettings 174 to adjust a desired temperature of the heating elements 106a, 106 b. FIG. 5H is a block diagram that illustrates an example ofelectrical connections between the heating elements 106 a, 106 b and apower source 119 (e.g. battery 118) within the system 100′ of FIG. 5A,according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the power source 119 isan electrical outlet that is connected to the system 100′ through one ormore electrical inlet 176 (e.g. USB port). In an embodiment, the system100′ includes a switch 125 to turn the system on or off (e.g. powerswitch). In one embodiment, no switch 125 is provided and the electricalconnection between the power source 119 and the system (e.g. pluggingthe system into an electrical outlet) serves as the switch 125 thatturns the system on or off. Additionally, in an embodiment, a sensor 123is provided that detects when the elements 105 a, 105 b move from theopen position 101 to the closed position 103 (e.g. sensor that detectsengagement of heating elements 106 a, 106 b). In one embodiment, “openposition” means an angle between the elements 105 a, 105 b greater thanan angle threshold (e.g. about 5-10 degrees) such that the heatingelements 106 a, 106 b are not activated in the open position, whereasthe “closed position” means an angle between the elements 105 a, 105 bless than the angle threshold such that the heating elements 106 a, 106b is activated. In another embodiment, the “open position” means anangle between the elements 105 a, 105 b beyond the angle threshold andthe “closed position” means an angle between the elements 105 a, 105 bless than the angle threshold, where the angle between the elements 105a, 105 b does not affect whether the heating elements 106 a, 106 b areactivated.

In an embodiment, the system 100′ includes a controller 121 thatreceives one or more inputs from the heat setting 174, the sensor 123and/or the switch 125. Upon receiving these inputs, the controller 121determines whether to transmit a signal to the power source 119 totransmit power to the heating elements 106 a, 106 b. In one embodiment,upon receiving a signal from the switch 125 that the system 100′ isturned on, the controller 121 transmits the signal to the power source119 to transmit power to the heating elements 106 a, 106 b. In thisembodiment, the sensor 123 is not provided or used and the heatingelements 106 a, 106 b are continuously heated as long as the switch 125is turned on. In an example embodiment, the switch 125 is a power switchon an external surface of the system 100′. In another embodiment, uponreceiving a signal from the switch 125 and the sensor 123 that thesystem 100′ is turned on and that the elements 105 a, 105 b are in theclosed position 103, the controller 121 transmits the signal to thepower source 119 to transmit power to the heating elements 106 a, 106 b.Thus this embodiment requires that the switch 125 is turned on and thatthe elements 105 a, 105 b are in the closed position 103 in order forthe heating elements 106 a, 106 b to be heated.

In an embodiment, selecting one of the heat settings 174 adjusts atemperature threshold that is stored in a memory of the controller 121.In an embodiment, a temperature sensor 127 is provided that continuouslymeasures the temperature of the heating elements 106 a, 106 b as thepower source 119 elevates the temperature of the heating elements 106 a,106 b. The temperature sensor 127 continuously transmits data of themeasured temperature to the controller 121 and the controller 121continuously compares the received measured temperature data with thetemperature threshold stored in the memory. When the measuredtemperature is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold, thecontroller 121 transmits a signal to the power source 119 to stopdelivering power to the heating elements 106 a, 106 b. When the measuredtemperature falls below the temperature threshold, the controller 121transmits the signal to the power source 119 to deliver power to theheating elements 106 a, 106 b.

In some embodiments, when the system 100′ is moved to the closedposition 103, the heating elements 106 a, 106 b receive electricalenergy from the power source 119 and heat up to a desired temperature(e.g. temperature threshold based on the selected heat setting 174). Inother embodiments, the heating elements 106 a, 106 b heat up to thedesired temperature based on activating one or more controls, regardlessof whether the system is in the open position 101 or closed position103. In one embodiment, the system 100′ features one or more controls(e.g. heat setting 174) to vary the desired temperature. In an exampleembodiment, the control features a dial to vary the desired temperatureto one of a plurality of settings. In an example embodiment, the dialfeatures between two and eight settings to vary the desired temperatureto one of between two and eight different settings. In one embodiment,the desired temperature setting is adjusted based on the type of plasticmaterial 136. In an example embodiment, enclosures made of mylar plasticmaterial have a different desired temperature setting than enclosuresmade of polybag plastic material. In some embodiments, the desiredtemperature is selected based on a melting point of the plasticmaterial. In an example embodiment, the system 100′ features one or morecontrols on a surface of the elements 105 a, 105 b to select the desiredtemperature. In other embodiments, the system 100′ features one or morecontrols to activate the heating elements 106 a, 106 b in the closedposition 101 such that the heating elements 106 a, 106 b will only heatup in the closed position 101 if the control is activated. In stillother embodiments, the controls activate the heating elements 106 a, 106b regardless of the position of the system 100′. The temperature of theheating element 106 of the system 100 is controlled in a similar manneras the heating elements 106 a, 106 b of the system 100′ discussedherein. In some embodiments, the first element 102 a features a lightemitting diode (LED) 120 (FIG. 1D) that activates in a first mode (e.g.flashing mode or a first color) when the heating element 106 is heatingto the desired temperature and activates in a second mode different thanthe first mode (e.g. static mode or a second color) when the heatingelement 106 reaches the desired temperature.

The heating elements 106 a, 106 b heat up to the desired temperature tomelt the plastic material including the first plastic layer and thesecond plastic layer and form a seal between the first plastic layer andthe second plastic layer in the plastic material. FIG. 3A is a blockdiagram that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a firstseal 301 formed in the plastic material 136 by the system 100′,according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the plastic material136 includes side seals 302 a, 302 b before the plastic material 136 isheated with the heating elements 106 a, 106 b to form the first seal301. In other embodiments, the plastic material 136 includes a first andsecond plastic layer that does not include the side seals 302 a, 302 band the side seals 302 a, 302 b are formed with the heating elements 106a, 106 b. In some embodiments, the plastic material 136 is exposed tothe heating elements 106 a, 106 b at the desired temperature for aminimum time period (e.g. from about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds) toform the seal. In some embodiments, the minimum time period depends onone or more parameters of the plastic material 136 (e.g. thickness). Insome embodiments, after forming the first seal 301 across the heatingelements 106 a, 106 b, the button 108 is slid along the slot 112′ of theelement 105 a to slide the cutting element 111 along a cut line 303 a atthe interface to cut the plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal301. A third seal 311 is then formed in the plastic material 136 usingthe heating elements 106 a, 106 b in a similar manner as to form thefirst seal 301 and the button 108 is slid along the slot 112′ to slidethe cutting element 111 along a cut line 303 b to form an opening 305 ina plastic enclosure 310 (e.g. bag). The third seal 311 is formed as partof a second enclosure (e.g. second bag) that is separate and apart fromthe plastic enclosure 310.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspectiveview of the first seal 301 of FIG. 3A after cutting off the plasticmaterial 136 from the first seal 301 using the system of FIG. 5A,according to an embodiment. The first seal 301 forms a base of theenclosure 310. An opening 305 of the enclosure 310 is provided bysliding the cutter element 111 along the cut line 303 b. As discussed inthe method below, contents 308 (e.g. condiments, snacks, personalproducts) are inserted into the enclosure 310 of plastic material 136through the opening 305. FIG. 3C is a block diagram that illustrates anexample of a perspective view of a second seal 304 formed in the plasticmaterial 136 by the system 100′ of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment.After inserting contents 308 through the opening 305, the opening 305 ispositioned at the interface between the elements 105 a, 105 b and thesecond seal 304 is formed by the heating elements 106 a, 106 b betweenthe first and second plastic layers. The enclosure, i.e. a bag 310 isthen provided which includes an enclosed volume that holds the contents308 where the enclosed volume is defined by first seal 301, second seal304 and side seals 302 a, 302 b.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspectiveview of the first seal 301 of FIG. 3A after cutting off the plasticmaterial 136 from the first seal 301 using the system of FIG. 5A,according to an embodiment. The first seal 301 forms a base of theenclosure 310. An opening 305 of the enclosure 310 is provided bysliding the cutter element 111 along the cut line 303 b. As discussed inthe method below, contents 308 (e.g. condiments, snacks, personalproducts) are inserted into the enclosure 310 of plastic material 136through the opening 305. FIG. 3C is a block diagram that illustrates anexample of a perspective view of a second seal 304 formed in the plasticmaterial 136 by the system 100′ of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment.After inserting contents 308 through the opening 305, the opening 305 ispositioned at the interface between the elements 105 a, 105 b and thesecond seal 304 is formed by the heating elements 106 a, 106 b betweenthe first and second plastic layers. The enclosure, i.e. a bag 310 isthen provided which includes an enclosed volume that holds the contents308 where the enclosed volume is defined by first seal 301, second seal304 and side seals 302 a, 302 b.

FIG. 3G is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a top view ofthe enclosure 310′ of the plastic material including interior seals 309a, 309 b between the first seal 301 and the second seal 304, accordingto an embodiment. In this embodiment, after forming the first seal 301and the opening 305, contents 308 a are inserted through the opening 305and an interior seal 309 a is formed to keep contents 308 a within asub-enclosure of the enclosure 310′. Similarly, contents 308 b areinserted through the opening 305 and an interior seal 309 b is formed tokeep contents 308 b within a sub-enclosure of the enclosure 310′. Thecutting element 111 is not slid across the interface adjacent to theinterior seals 309 a, 309 b since it is not desired to cut the plasticmaterial 136 adjacent to the interior seals 309 a, 309 b. Contents 308 care inserted through the opening 305 after which the second seal 304 isformed along the opening 305 using the elements 105 a, 105 b. Thisarrangement advantageously permits multiple sub-enclosures of contents308 within one larger enclosure 310′. When a user wants to accesscontents 308 c (but not contents 308 a or 308 b), the user can eithercut the sub-enclosure with contents 308 c or cut the interior seal 309 band carry the sub-enclosure with the contents 308 c until they want toaccess the contents 308 c. In an example embodiment, the user can formmultiple sub-enclosures with contents 308 in each sub-enclosure for eachday of the week so they only need to access the sub-enclosure for thatspecific day of the week.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates an example of a method 200 forsealing an enclosure 310 of plastic material 136, according to anembodiment. In an embodiment, the system 100, 100′, 100″ is portablesuch that one or more steps of the method 200 can be performed while thesystem 100, 100′, 100″ is held in one or both hands of a user. Themethod 200 below can be performed using any embodiment of the systems100, 100′, 100″ previously discussed. In step 201, the plastic material136 is positioned at the interface between the elements 105 a, 105 b.FIG. 2F is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a side view ofa plurality of reels 152 a, 152 b of plastic material 136 used in thesystem 100′ of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment. Alternatively, areel 152 is provided in a box 155 (FIG. 7A) and is fed out of an openingin the box 155. In an embodiment, the reels 152 a, 152 b hold plasticmaterial 136 of different widths. In an example embodiment, the reel 152a holds plastic material 136 a of a first width (e.g. 6 inches) and thereel 152 b holds plastic material 136 b of a second width that is lessthan the first width (e.g. 3 inches). FIG. 2H depicts an embodimentwhere the plastic material 136 a and the plastic material 136 b are fedfrom a box or housing that holds the reels 152 a, 152 b. In an exampleembodiment, the plastic material 136 includes side seals 302 a, 302 b asdepicted in FIG. 3A. In one embodiment, in step 201, plastic material136 from one of the reels 152 a, 152 b or reel 152 in box 155 is fed tothe interface between the elements 105 a, 105 b. In step 201, the reel152 a, 152 b is selected such that the width of the plastic material 136is equal to or less than a length 143 of the heating element 106 (FIG.2E). In some embodiments, a cutter 153 is provided at the reels 152 a,152 b and is used to cut the plastic material 136 such that a length ofplastic material 136 is provided that corresponds to a desired length ofthe enclosure 310. In this embodiment, step 206 can be omitted in themethod 200.

In some embodiments, in step 201, the plastic material 136 is positionedat the interface of the second elements 105 a, 105 b so that at least adesired length 307 (FIG. 3A) of plastic material 136 is pulled from thereel 152. FIG. 3D depicts one embodiment of step 201, where the plasticmaterial 136 b is positioned at the interface of the second elements 104a, 104 b of the system 100. The desired length 307 corresponds to adesired length of the enclosure 310 (e.g. bag). In an exampleembodiment, the desired length of the enclosure 310 is in a range fromabout 5 inches to about 12 inches.

In some embodiments, in step 201, the plastic material 136 is initiallymoved between the elements 105 a, 105 b as depicted in FIG. 7A. In anexample embodiment, in step 201 the plastic material 136 is movedbetween the elements 105 a, 105 b in FIG. 7A so that the regioncorresponding to the first seal 301 is initially positioned between theelements 105 a, 105 b.

In step 202, after the plastic material 136 is positioned at theinterface between the elements 105 a, 105 b, the heating elements 106 a,106 b are pivoted from the open position 101 (FIG. 7A) to the closedposition 103 (FIG. 7B). In some embodiments, in step 202, in addition topivoting the elements 105 a, 105 b to the closed position 103, one ormore controls are activated. The heating elements 106 a, 106 b then heatup to a desired temperature and increase the temperature at theinterface of the heating elements 106 a, 106 b based on the electricalconnection with the power source. In an embodiment, the desiredtemperature exceeds a melting temperature of the plastic material 136.

Additionally, in step 202, a first seal 301 is formed (FIG. 7A) in theplastic material 136 based on the heating of the interface in step 202.In some embodiments, in step 202, the first seal 301 is formed based onthe temperature at the interface reaching the desired temperature for aminimum time period. In an example embodiment, the desired temperatureis in a range from about 125 degrees to about 260 degrees. In anotherexample embodiment, the minimum time period is in a range from about 3seconds to about 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the user manuallyverifies when the minimum time period has elapsed and opens the elements105 a, 105 b after that time period. In other embodiments, the heatingelements 106 a, 106 b automatically heat up to the desired temperatureand remains at that temperature for the minimum time period beforeautomatically reducing its temperature.

In one embodiment, in step 202, after the first seal 301 is formed inthe plastic material 136, the cutting element 111 is slid across theinterface between the elements 105 a, 105 b along the cut line 303 a(FIG. 3A) to cut the plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal301. FIG. 3B depicts one embodiment of the first seal 301 afterperforming step 206, where plastic material 136 adjacent to the firstseal 301 has been cut off across the cut line 303 a. FIG. 7A similarlydepicts the cut line 303 a where the cutting element 111 is slid acrossto cut the plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal 301. In anembodiment, since the cutting element 111 is laterally displaced fromthe heating elements 106 a, 106 b the cut along the plastic material 136in step 202 is advantageously displaced from the heating elements 106 a,106 b which minimizes a risk that heat from the heating elements 106 a,106 b melt the plastic material 136 together along the cut line 303 a.Additionally, in another embodiment, the silicone layer 185 (FIG. 8C)provides thermal insulation to the plastic material 136 during thecutting along the line 303 a, to reduce the risk of heating andresealing of the plastic material 136 along line 303 a after cutting.

In step 204, a third seal 311 is formed between the first and secondlayers of the plastic material 136 based on pivoting the elements 105 a,105 b from the open position 101 to the closed position 103, in the samemanner that the first seal 301 was formed in step 202. FIG. 7A depictthe plastic material 136 positioned between the elements 105 a, 105 bbefore the elements 105 a, 105 b are moved to the closed position 103(FIG. 7B) to form the third seal 311. FIG. 3A depicts the third seal 311formed in the plastic material 136.

In step 206, the cutting element 111 is moved at the interface 110between the elements 105 a, 105 b along the cut line 303 b to form theopening 305 in the enclosure 310. After step 206, the enclosure 310 asdepicted in FIG. 3B is obtained including the first seal 310 and theopening 305 with the side seals 302 a, 302 b. In an embodiment, sincethe third seal 311 is detached from the enclosure 310 in step 206, thethird seal 311 is used to form a second enclosure after the enclosure310. In an example embodiment, the third seal 311 forms a similar sealin the second enclosure as the seal 301 in the enclosure 310.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspectiveview of the plastic material 136 after using the cutting element 111 instep 206 to cut the plastic material 136 along the cut line 303 badjacent to the seal 311. An opening 305 (between the first and secondplastic layers) is provided in the plastic material 136 opposite fromthe first seal 301.

In step 208, contents 308 (e.g. condiments, snacks, personal products)are inserted through the opening 305 of the plastic material 136. In oneembodiment, a desired amount of contents 308 are inserted into theopening 305. In some embodiments, the contents 308 are liquid contents.In other embodiments, the contents 308 are solid contents.

In step 210, the opening 305 of the plastic material 136 is positionedat the interface between the elements 105 a, 105 b, after performingstep 208. FIG. 3F depicts one embodiment of step 210, where the opening305 of the plastic material 136 is positioned at the interface betweenthe elements 105 a, 105 b. In some embodiments, step 210 is similar tostep 201 with the exception that the opening 305 is positioned at theinterface of the elements 105 a, 105 b. Step 212 is then performed whichis similar to step 202.

In step 212, a second seal 304 is formed in the plastic material 136based on the heating of the interface in step 212. Upon performing step212, the enclosure 310 (e.g. bag) is formed between the first seal 301,second seal 304 and side seals 302 a, 302 b. FIG. 3F depicts oneembodiment of the enclosure 310 including the first seal 301 and secondseal 304. In other embodiments, enclosures are formed other thanrectangular enclosures, including arcuate shaped enclosures orenclosures based on any polygon shape. FIGS. 7E and 7F depict the system100′ being held in a hand of a user and used to form the second seal 304as the user moves the system 100′ from the open position 101 (FIG. 7E)to the closed position 103 (FIG. 7F).

In some embodiments, the method 200 is performed to fill the enclosure310′ (e.g. bag) with contents 308 a, 308 b, 308 c (FIG. 3G) inrespective sub-enclosures within the enclosure 310′ and interior seals309 a, 309 b are formed between the first seal 301 and the second seal304. In these embodiments, steps 208 and 212 (omitting step 210) arerepeatedly performed where step 212 involves forming the interior seal309, until the desired number of sub-enclosures within the enclosure310′ are filled with contents 308 a, 308 b, 308 c. Although FIG. 3Gdepicts three sub-enclosures within the enclosure 310′, more than threeor less than three sub-enclosures can be formed. After the desirednumber of sub-enclosures are formed (e.g. steps 208 and 212 are repeateda desired number of times), then step 212 is performed to close theopening 305 of the enclosure 310′ with the second seal 304.Additionally, although FIG. 3G depicts that the sub-enclosures andinterior seals 309 are formed in one direction and parallel to the firstand second seals 301, 304, the interior seals can be omnidirectionalsuch as vertical interior seals that are orthogonal to the first andsecond seals 301, 304 (FIG. 7G) that forms vertical sub-enclosures 310a, 310 b or diagonal interior seals to form diagonal sub-enclosureswithin the enclosure 310′.

In some embodiments, the method 200 is performed using a straw 136′(FIG. 2G) where the first seal 301′ and second seal 304′ are formed inthe straw 136′ to form an enclosure (e.g. capsule 162) with the straw136′ material. In an example embodiment, the capsule 162 is filled withcontents (e.g. spices) between forming the first seal 301′ and secondseal 304′. In one embodiment, in the method 200 using the straw 136′, afirst heating element 106 with a first length 143 based on a width ofthe plastic material 136 is replaced a second heating element 106 with asecond length 143 e.g. based on a width of the straw 136′.

Although steps are depicted in FIG. 4 as integral steps in a particularorder for purposes of illustration, in other embodiments, one or moresteps, or portions thereof, are performed in a different order, oroverlapping in time, in series or in parallel, or are omitted, or one ormore additional steps are added, or the method is changed in somecombination of ways.

Table 1 below lists various parameters (e.g. size, types of contents308, etc) of various portions of the system 100, 100′ and seal formedwith the system 100, 100′, 100″ as well as different types of plasticmaterial 136 that are used with various designs of the system 100, 100′,100″ and different types of contents 308 associated with each type ofplastic material 136. The parameters in Table 1 are merely one exampleembodiment of parameters that are used with the system 100, 100′, 100″and are non-limiting. In other embodiments, parameters other than thoselisted in Table 1 can be used to form the system 100′, 100′, 100″ orseal formed with the system 100, 100′, 100″.

TABLE 1 Bag Bag Description Travel Size Standard Size Uses WidthThickness Size Heating element length 2.5 inches 5.5 inches Includingslide cutter 3.0 inches 6.0 inches Handle length 4.0 inches 4.5 inchesTotal length 7.0 inches 10.5 inches  Seal width 0.25 inches on 0.25inches each side on each side Heating time Power Cordless-Battery typeYes Rechargable Wired-Plug in power Will work Yes while charging HeatSettings 2  3 Bags Medical Grade N/A Pills, liquids Prescription 2″   3ml Thick bags-polyethylene N/A Liquids (food for Food 2″, 4″, 5″   7 mlwith nylon boiling & microwave Thin bags liquids-thin bags liquids-thinbags Household 2″, 4″, 6″   2 ml Thinnest bags Small items- Small items-Crafts 2″, 4″, 6″ 1.2 ml thinnest bag thinnest bag Total Bags 6 10

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Thespecification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Throughout thisspecification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, theword “comprise” and its variations, such as “comprises” and“comprising,” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stateditem, element or step or group of items, elements or steps but not theexclusion of any other item, element or step or group of items, elementsor steps. Furthermore, the indefinite article “a” or “an” is meant toindicate one or more of the item, element or step modified by thearticle. As used herein, unless otherwise clear from the context, avalue is “about” another value if it is within a factor of two (twice orhalf) of the other value. While example ranges are given, unlessotherwise clear from the context, any contained ranges are also intendedin various embodiments. Thus, a range from 0 to 10 includes the range 1to 4 in some embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for sealing an enclosure of plasticmaterial comprising: a handle including a pair of elements pivotallycoupled together at a first end of the elements such that the elementsare configured to move from an open position to a closed position; aheating element positioned along an inner surface of at least oneelement and configured to be connected to a power source, wherein alongitudinal axis of the heating element is oriented parallel to alongitudinal axis of the at least one element, wherein the heatingelement is configured to increase a temperature at an interface betweenthe pair of elements in the closed position to form a seal in plasticmaterial positioned at the interface; and a cutting element positionedat an inner surface of a first element of the pair of elements andconfigured to move relative to the inner surface to cut the plasticmaterial along the interface adjacent to the seal and form an opening inthe plastic material.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, the cutting elementis configured to cut the plastic material to form the opening in theplastic material on an opposite side of the cutting element from theseal.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heating element includesa plurality of heating elements positioned along the inner surface ofthe at least one element and wherein the seal is a plurality of sealsformed in the plastic material by the plurality of heating elements. 4.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cutting element is slidablyreceived in a first slot of the first element so that the cuttingelement is configured to slide along the inner surface of the firstelement.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cutting element ispositioned at the inner surface of the first element such that thecutting element is offset from a center of a width of the first element.6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cutting element is offset fromthe center of the width of the first element by a minimum spacing suchthat the opening formed in the plastic material by the cutting elementis not resealed by heat from the heating element.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the heating element intersectsthe handle.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first heating elementis movable in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of thefirst element based on pivoting the pair of elements to the closedposition so that the first heating element is configured to retractrelative to the cutting element such that the cutting element extendsbeyond the heating element in the direction orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis of the first element.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of heat settings on the apparatus toadjust a temperature of the heating element between one of a pluralityof temperature settings.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pairof elements have the first end and a second end opposite to the firstend, wherein the longitudinal axis of each of the pair of elementsextends from the first end to the second end.
 11. The apparatus of claim10, wherein the pair of elements each include a first portion includingthe heating element and a second portion including the handle, whereinthe longitudinal axis of each of the pair of elements is coextensivefrom the first portion to the second portion of each of the pair ofelements.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pair of elementsare pivotally coupled together at a hinge located at the first end ofthe elements.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a baseadjacent to the first end of the pair elements that is opposite from asecond end of the pair of elements, wherein the base has an outerdiameter that is sized such that the apparatus is configured to bemounted on a level surface in a vertical orientation.
 14. The apparatusof claim 13, wherein the base further includes a pair of spaced apartflat surfaces that are spaced apart by the outer diameter of the baseand wherein the pair of spaced apart flat surfaces are configured suchthat the apparatus is configured to be positioned on the level surfacewith the pair of elements in the closed position such that the pair ofelements are about parallel to the level surface.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the cutting element is spaced apart from the heatingelement along the inner surface of the first element by a minimumspacing such that heat from the heating elements does not melt theplastic material along a cut formed by the cutting element.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating element is securely fixedalong the inner surface of the at least one element.
 17. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a switch configured to turn the heatingelement on such that the heating element is configured to increase thetemperature at the interface based on the switch being moved to an onposition and such that the heating element is configured to not increasethe temperature at the interface based on the switch moved to an offposition.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a sensorconfigured to detect when the pair of elements has moved to the closedposition; and a controller communicatively coupled with the sensor toreceive a first signal from the sensor upon the sensor detecting thatthe pair of elements has moved to the closed position, wherein thecontroller is configured to transmit a second signal to the power sourceto cause the heating element to increase the temperature at theinterface based on the controller receiving the first signal.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, further comprising a switch configured totransmit a third signal when moved to an on position, and wherein thecontroller is communicatively coupled with the switch such that thecontroller is configured to transmit the second signal to the powersource based on the controller receiving the first signal from thesensor and the third signal from the switch.
 20. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the at least one element includes a light configured toactivate in a first mode when the heating element is increasing thetemperature at the interface and is further configured to activate in asecond mode different from the first mode when the temperature of theheating element reaches a desired temperature.